Ecuador names interim VP with sitting No. 2 jailed in probe

QUITO, Ecuador (AP) - Ecuador's president has named an interim vice president to fill in for his sitting No. 2, who is in jail while under investigation for alleged corruption.

Lenin Moreno announced Wednesday that Urban Development and Housing Minister Maria Alejandra Vicuna will take over Jorge Glas' duties. Under Ecuadorean law Glas technically remains vice president, however.

Police took Glas into custody Monday, and he is being held in the capital, Quito. The Supreme Court ordered his detention at prosecutors' request to prevent any possible escape attempt.

Demonstrators hold photos of Ecuador's former President Rafael Correa and current Vice President Jorge Glas outside the Supreme Court in Quito, Ecuador, Monday, Oct. 2, 2017. Ecuador's Supreme Court has ordered Glas held in jail while he is investigated for allegedly taking bribes from a Brazilian construction giant involved in a sprawling regional graft scandal. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)

Glas is alleged to have led a network of politicians who accepted $33 million in bribes from Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht in exchange for government contracts. He has denied any wrongdoing.

Supporters of Vice President Jorge Glas rally outside the Supreme Court in Quito, Ecuador, Monday, Oct. 2, 2017. Ecuador's Supreme Court has ordered Glas held in jail while he is investigated for allegedly taking bribes from a Brazilian construction giant involved in a sprawling regional graft scandal. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)